Freshfields has boosted its energy and infrastructure offering with the hire of two senior partners in London from Paul Hastings.

Jessamy Gallagher and Stuart Rowson have joined the firm after just two years at Paul Hastings, in a move that sees them return to the Magic Circle – prior to their time at the US firm they co-headed Linklaters’ global infrastructure practice.

At Freshfields, Gallagher will serve as global co-head of the energy and real assets group alongside London partner Richard Thexton. She focuses on international public and private M&A, and global pension, infra and fund manager clients, and has also advised several FTSE listed clients.

Rowson joins with more than 25 years of experience and brings a wealth of asset expertise since pivoting his practice over a decade ago to focus on advising private capital clients and lenders on financing E&I assets and complex infrastructure refinancings.  

Thexton said the duo had joined Freshfields at a “pivotal” moment as the firm looked to expand its global energy and infrastructure offering across the full range of private capital and strategic investors in the energy, energy transition and broader infrastructure sectors.

He added: “We anticipate increased investment in these areas notwithstanding political policy shifts by new government administrations which are driving significant changes, and creating challenges, across industries and sectors. There are incredibly strong synergies between Jessamy and Stuart’s client relationships and ours and we are all eager to start talking to our clients about our enhanced offering.”

Gallagher’s recent work includes advising Vinci Airports on its acquisition of a controlling stake in Edinburgh Airport from Global Infrastructure Partners for roughly £1.27bn. In 2023 she also advised the National Grid in its divestment of its £14bn UK gas distribution business Cadent to a Macquarie-led consortium – the largest-ever energy and infrastructure deal in the UK.

Meantime, Rowson has acted on matters including the financing of the acquisition by BlackRock and KKR of an interest in the ADNOC pipelines. He also advised Vinci on the financing aspects of the Edinburgh Airport deal.

At Freshfields, the duo have joined a well-regarded energy practice noted by Chambers and Partners for its roster of corporate law experts assisting clients with prominent infrastructure transactions. “The firm has significant experience advising on the acquisition and disposal of telecoms, transport and energy developments, and offers additional strengths in environmental, regulatory and tax matters,” according to Chambers.

Last year the practice advised Deutsche Bahn on the sale of international transport business Arriva to I Squared Capital, with the deal team led by Thexton.

Gallagher and Rowson’s arrival also comes hot on the heels of Freshfields announcing the launch of its fourth US office, in Boston, as it continues to push for growth in the States. The firm hired senior private capital M&A partner Matthew Goulding from US rival Latham & Watkins to lead the new base. 

Charles Hayes, Freshfields’ global co-head of private capital, commented: “Our vision is clear: to continue to build on our European buyout heritage and increasing US presence, while evolving to operate seamlessly across global markets.

“We’re dedicated to delivering a world-class client service experience, tailored to the needs of our private markets asset manager clients, and remain agile in supporting them across all strategies in which they deploy capital.”

A spokesperson for Paul Hastings said: “We wish them well. We had a record year in London last year with over $200m in revenue – an increase of 40% year over year and 65% over two years – and fully expect to have another record year this year.

“Our London performance has been core to the firm’s overall record financial success, driven by a cross-section of practices, including as a result of our lateral strategy over the last few years in finance, financial restructuring, structured credit, private equity, M&A and litigation. London will continue to be a strategic priority for growth this year in order for us to continue taking market share at the top of the market.”

According to a source with knowledge of the firm, Paul Hastings is set to bring in an international infrastructure and projects team in London and across other geographies.